Verizon Plans to Use 5G for Residential Broadband In 2018

Verizon Wireless today said it will launch 5G service next year in up to five markets around the country. Rather than provide wireless service, however, the 5G will be offered to residential customers as an alternative to copper or fiber for in-home broadband. Verizon has been testing this service in 11 markets so far this year and will kick off 5G residential broadband service in Sacramento, Calif., during the second half of 2018. Verizon didn’t name the other markets. The service will rely on millimeter wave spectrum and technology. The move will help Verizon avoid the cost of deploying wired broadband to these markets. Verizon and its competitors are racing to develop 5G wireless technology for mobile devices and most plan limited launches in the 2019 timeframe.